John Burnside, the author of “Black Cat Bone” as well as dozens of other poems and books, has passed away at the age of 69 after a short illness. His death on May 29 was confirmed by his publisher.
In response to the news of Burnside’s death, Nick Barley, director of the National Poetry Centre, tweeted that the poet was “sometimes wayward, always an inspiration. What a huge loss to the world.” While Scotland’s poet laureate Kathleen Jamie said: “His poems could up-end you like a drug.”
Robin Robertson, a poetry publisher at the Penguin Random House imprint Jonathan Cape, expressed deep admiration for Burnside, stating it was “one of the privileges of [his] life” to work with him. He described Burnside as “Flawed but fearless, fabulously gifted, he was a truly great writer.”
“There is much sorrow, pain, terror and violence lurking in his work: he is a strong and powerful writer about the dark places of the human mind – but he’s also funny and deeply humane.”
Hermione Lee, David Cohen Prize Judges Chair
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Hannah Westland, publishing director of Jonathan Cape, added that he “had a particularly miraculous ability to perceive and articulate both the wonders of the natural world and the everyday miracles that make up our lives.”
Who was John Burnside?
John Burnside was renowned primarily for his poetry, but his prolific career spanned various genres, including fiction and memoir.
Born in Dunfermline in 1955, Burnside spent his early years in Cowdenbeath and later in Corby, Northamptonshire. After studying English and European literature at Cambridge College of Arts and Technology, he worked as an analyst and software engineer before dedicating himself to writing full-time. His literary journey began with the publication of his first poetry collection, "The Hoop", in 1988, and he maintained a productive collaboration with his editor, Robin Robertson, culminating in the release of his most recent collection, "Ruin, Blossom", in 2024.
In 2011, he received both the T.S. Eliot Prize and the Forward Prize for his collection "Black Cat Bone", placing him among the elite poets, such as Ted Hughes and Sean O’Brien, who have received both of the UK's top poetry accolades for the same work. More recently, he was honoured with the David Cohen Prize in recognition of his lifetime achievements in literature.
Burnside previously documented his battle with alcoholism and drugs, telling The Telegraph last year "for a while, I got into gambling,” which he says was "more dangerous than booze or drugs. I have an addictive personality – more recently, I couldn't stop doing sudokus.”
Hermione Lee, chair of the David Cohen Prize judging panel, remarked at the time that Burnside had been “writing every imaginable kind of book – and some unimaginable kinds – for at least 35 years.” She praised his ability to “cast a spell with language of great beauty, power, lyricism, and truthfulness.” Lee noted the deep emotional resonance in his work, stating, “There is much sorrow, pain, terror and violence lurking in his work: he is a strong and powerful writer about the dark places of the human mind – but he’s also funny and deeply humane.”
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Best books and poems by John Burnside
Here are some of the best books and poems by John Burnside across different genres:
Poetry
- Black Cat Bone – This collection won the T.S. Eliot Prize and showcases Burnside’s evocative and lyrical style.
- The Light Trap – Another acclaimed collection that reflects on nature, human connections, and the interplay between light and darkness.
- History – ‘History’ is a striking poem in “The Light Trap” which considers the significance of historical events, particularly the World Trade Center attacks in September 2001. The narrator is at the beach with his family, his mind heavy with “the news” of the attacks and distracted by uncertainty over the future.
Fiction
- The Dumb House – This novel, Burnside’s first, is a dark, psychological exploration of human nature and the quest for knowledge.
- A Summer of Drowning – A hypnotic, myth-infused novel set in the Arctic Circle, which delves into themes of art, obsession, and the supernatural.
Memoir
- A Lie About My Father – In this memoir, Burnside writes about his difficult relationship with his father and the impact of his upbringing on his life and writing.
- Waking Up in Toytown – A sequel of sorts to his earlier memoir, focusing on his struggles with mental health and his journey towards stability.
These books highlight Burnside’s versatility and mastery in different literary forms, each offering a unique insight into his profound and reflective style. Burnside is survived by his wife Sarah, sons Lucas and Gil, and grandson Apollo.
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